"As Buddhists, we should aim to develop relationships that are not predominated by grasping and clinging. Our relationships should be characterised by the brahmaviharas of metta (loving kindness), mudita (sympathetic joy), karuna (compassion), and upekkha (equanimity)."~post by Ben, Jul 02, 2009

MichaelThe thoughts I've expressed in the above post are carefully considered and offered in good faith.

And friendliness towards the world is happiness for him who is forbearing with living beings. -- Ud. 2:1To his own ruin the fool gains knowledge, for it cleaves his head and destroys his innate goodness. -- Dhp 72

I had deeply hoped he'd pull through. This is very sad news. My heart and thoughts go out to his family. He was a brilliant teacher, at least I learnt a lot from him. There'll be a large JC shaped hole here and I'm sure elsewhere now

Something like this happening suddenly brings home that even though we know our lives are impermanent it often doesn't really sink in, and we live as if we can be certain we have many years ahead of us.

"Right effort is effort with wisdom. Because where there is wisdom, there is interest. The desire to know something is wisdom at work. Being mindful is not difficult. But it’s difficult to be continuously aware. For that you need right effort. But it does not require a great deal of energy. It’s relaxed perseverance in reminding yourself to be aware. When you are aware, wisdom unfolds naturally, and there is still more interest." - Sayadaw U Tejaniya

May James have a rebirth where he can hear and practise the DhammaMay James have happiness and the causes of happinessMay he quickly progress on the path to Nibbana and never fall back.May those he has left behind be free of mental and physical pain.

with metta and karunaChris

---The trouble is that you think you have time------Worry is the Interest, paid in advance, on a debt you may never owe------It's not what happens to you in life that is important ~ it's what you do with it ---

Something like this happening suddenly brings home that even though we know our lives are impermanent it often doesn't really sink in, and we live as if we can be certain we have many years ahead of us.

we just got home and Jamie in the operation room for take his organs out right now.It's gonna take him awhile.And thank you so much for all of you guys for support our family.

“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.” - Cormac McCarthy, The Road

Learn this from the waters:in mountain clefts and chasms,loud gush the streamlets,but great rivers flow silently.- Sutta Nipata 3.725

May James have a rebirth where he can hear and practise the DhammaMay James have happiness and the causes of happinessMay he quickly progress on the path to Nibbana and never fall back.May those he has left behind be free of mental and physical pain.

I just stumbled upon this news on Facebook. How tragic. I don't even know what to say. This sucks.

JC was an excellent poster and moderator. I learned a lot from him.

Much metta to James's family and friends in their time of loss.

"The serene and peaceful mind is the true epitome of human achievement."-- Ajahn Chah, Living Dhamma

"To reach beyond fear and danger we must sharpen and widen our vision. We have to pierce through the deceptions that lull us into a comfortable complacency, to take a straight look down into the depths of our existence, without turning away uneasily or running after distractions." -- Bhikkhu Bodhi

Awful news. Thanks for your virtual friendship JC and may you find peace. Metta and Karuna to all those who knew him. Note to self: You don't know what will happen to you this afternoon let alone tomorrow. Strive now.